I very rarely thought about the chemicals I was putting on/in my body until recently. Like most people, I just figured that if a product was sold in the US, it was safe to use. I was so, so wrong. Just think for a minute about everything that you touch or put on your skin on a daily basis. What do you use to clean your clothes? How about your house? Or what about the products you purposely put on your skin everyday for beauty reasons. Shampoo? Make-up? Hand lotion? That’s a lot of different products right?

What is super scary is that there is very little regulations placed on the cosmetics industry in the US. In fact there hasn’t been a major federal law regulating the cosmetic industry since 1938 AND while the EU has banned nearly 1400* ingredients from cosmetics, the US has only banned 11**. I am not a scientist, but since Big Business seems to run our country more than our own government these days, I think that maybe we should look into these other 1389 chemicals that other countries have banned from their cosmetics.

Anyway, back to where this is all coming from. After I found out I was pregnant I started to realize how many products touch my skin on a daily basis. I decided to be more careful about what goes into mine and my baby’s blood streams. After all, your skin IS your largest organ. Now I love makeup and hair products, obviously, and there is no way I could ever give them all up, but it got me thinking. If I trade ½ of the products I own in for a healthier version, that means I decreased the chemicals I put in my body by 50%! 50%! That is huge!

A couple years ago, a friend told me about The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) website where you can search the hazard rating of the products you use. Of course I went straight to it and plugged all of my products in there, needless to say it’s pretty eye-opening. They also offer an app for your phone as well now, it’s called Skin Deep. The ratings are 1-10, with 10 being the most hazardous. I will include the available EWG scores for the products below. I try not to use anything above a 3 on my skin.

A lot of people say that the “safe” products aren’t as effective, and I have to agree to some point. For example, I haven’t found a natural hairspray or mascara that I like nearly as much as the “normal” ones. And for weddings, I have no plan switching to all natural products, that wouldn’t serve my clients best interests. However, for myself and my everyday routine, I have found some highly effective, safe products that I adore and that I would love to share with you. Not all of these products are “all natural”, but they are all safe and without harmful ingredients.

Skin Care

Beautycounter: Countertime Collection
Why? This company was founded on the basis of providing the highest quality, safest products possible. They were successful. None of their products have a higher EWG rating than 2, AND they are all pretty amazing products. You will see a couple other BC products sprinkled throughout this list, but the Countertime Skin Care line is by far my favorite. My skin feel so incredibly soft after using them day and night. My ultra-sensitive skin is not irritated at all, and it is a clear as can be. My favorite products are the Nourishing Cleansing Balm, Uplifting Day Cream, Restorative Night Cream and the Vibrant Eye Perfector.

As a side note, I searched Skin Deep for my favorite bronzer today and it was a 5!! Needless to say, I will be ordering the Beautycounter bronzers in both colors today since they are a 1. I didn’t mention it in my list because I don’t own them yet, but I have used them and they are awesome. I use bronzer as a natural color to darken the crease on my eyes and I definitely want a safe product for that! Moving on…

Blush

Tarte: Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
Why? This stuff is highly pigmented, and it lasts and lasts. Not to mention that Tarte is a pretty cool company that makes “pure, powerful cosmetics” and adds ingredients like vitamins, essential oils, minerals, and, in this case, real Amazonian Clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River.

Beautycounter: Tint Skin Foundation
Why? Most importantly, it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or ingredients that are bad for your skin or health. It goes on smoothly, lasts all day, and provides a light-medium coverage that takes away redness and leaves your skin looking fresh and healthy.

Jane Iredale: Amazing MatteWhy? Jane Iredale is a mineral based company that includes broad spectrum sun protection in all of their products. This specific product is awesome because it is good for all skin tones and types, it is made with rice starch instead of talc, so it doesn’t irritate your skin, and it mattifies your skin naturally.

Tarte: Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette
Why? I already told you how awesome Tarte is, but this palette is so, so perfect for everyday use. With 12 neutral colors good for every skin-tone, you have tons of options to create everything from a sleek day-look to a sexy smokey eye.

Beautycounter: Lip Sheer
Why? Creamy, Creamy and more Creamy, plus high pigmentation and a great color selection. Twig, Coral, Rose and Scarlett (pictured) are my fave! Again, I already talked about Beautycounter, it’s a company you can trust to make safe products everytime.

Grateful Naturals: Deodorant Stick
Why? It smells delicious and it works. I have tried a bunch of natural deodorants and this is the first one that actually works. Not only are you not smelly at the end of the day, but your underarms actually have a wonderful aroma. The base formula includes shea butter and coconut oil, so whether you choose Grapefruit, Lavender, Vanilla, Coconut, Lemongrass or unscented, it has a light fresh scent that is just heavenly. I choose the Vanilla and I can’t recommend it enough. Another plus for those of you from the Ventura County area, this company is local! You would be supporting a local mother and you can pick it up from her house, you don’t even have to pay shipping!

Kiehl’s: Ultimate Stregth Hand Salve
Why? It’s amazing! It works practically overnight, it doesn’t have an obnoxious smell, and it’s Kiehl’s. A natural, trustworthy company that makes safe products that work. And that’s all I have to say about that one haha. Just buy it, you wont be disappointed!

Sweet Almond Oil
Why? Along with it being 100% natural, it is THE most effective way I have ever found to moisturize your skin. I don’t even use body lotion most of the time. How do you use it, you ask? After you turn off the water in the shower, put a small amount of oil in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and apply it to your arms, legs, tummy, chest… anywhere you want to be silky soft. Then you just towel dry as normal. You aren’t super oily and it doesn’t ruin your towels. Viola!

Price: $10
Where to Buy: Amazon
EWG Rating: Not available, but it’s 100% natural so I’m assuming it is 0

Body Scrub

Farmhouse Fresh: Body Scrub
Why? Your skin will feel and smell amazing. The scrubs are a mainly combination of salt or sugar, and oils. They aren’t 100% natural, but each scent lists it’s natural percentage. For example, the Triple Shot Caramel Coffee Body Scrub (pictured) is 97% natural. How cool is that? I received the Sweet Cream as a gift and I like it a lot, but I would love to try all of the scents, especially the Coconut Beach!

Sara Happ: “The Lip Scrub”
Why? It works! The brown sugar crystals and natural oils make for a powerful exfoliator, and a tasty one at that. I use it once a week to keep my lips soft and moist. I have the Brown Sugar, but all of them smell yummy!

Price: $24
Where to Buy: Nordstrom
EWG Rating: 1-2 depending on the flavor

Eye Make-up Remover

Organic Coconut Oil
Why? All natural, smells heavenly (if you like coconut), and removes mascara like nothing else while moisturizing your skin at the same time.

Price: varies
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Costco, Amazon
EWG Rating: Not available, but it’s 100% natural so I’m assuming it is 0